With relegation a possibility for both sides, Real Valladolid host Getafe on what promises to be a thrilling final day of La Liga action.
As it stands, Valladolid occupy the third and final relegation spot, with Elche and Espanyol already consigned to the second tier. Meanwhile, Getafe find themselves two points above Valladolid in 14th place.
With six teams separated by just two points ahead of the final round of fixtures, Cadiz, Valencia, Almeria and Celta Vigo could also suffer relegation on Sunday. Needless to say, both Valladolid and Getafe will be desperate to claim all three points at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
Real Valladolid looked destined for the drop when they suffered five successive defeats across April and May, falling to relegation rivals Valencia and Cadiz while also losing against Atletico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla.
However, a shock 3-1 victory over newly-crowned champions Barcelona handed Paulo Pezzolano’s men a crucial lifeline, while last weekend’s goalless draw at Almeria took the relegation dogfight to the final day.
Although the White and Violets have picked up more wins than five teams this season, only bottom club Elche have suffered more defeats. As a result, only Barcelona and Real Madrid have recorded fewer draws than Valladolid, leaving them on the brink of relegation.
Like Valladolid, Getafe endured a sticky spell earlier this year before experiencing an upturn in form, picking up a solitary victory in nine matches before sealing back-to-back wins over Real Betis and Osasuna.
Consequently, the Azulones have lost just one of their previous five outings, securing three victories in the process, with a vital win over relegation rivals Celta Vigo coming last month.
It is worth pointing out, however, that Getafe have only managed to win one of their last 12 away league games, suffering eight defeats along the way, so Jose Bordalas’ men will need to up their game on Sunday.
Getafe also suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Valladolid in the reverse fixture back in October, meaning they have lost each of their previous three matches against the White and Violets. When you look at the bigger picture, the Azulones have managed to win just one of their last seven meetings with Valladolid.
The hosts will be without injured trio Selim Amallah (shoulder), Luis Perez (muscle) and Anuar (knee) for the final game of the season, while Jawad El Yamiq is a doubt for the relegation six-pointer.
As for the visitors, Turkish forward Enes Unal missed last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Osasuna with a knee injury, while Mauro Arambarri is expected to miss the final match due to an ankle issue.
La Liga fans in the UK can watch Sunday’s showdown on Viaplay Sports Online.
Expert Insight: It is difficult to overstate the importance of this clash. Valladolid will be relegated if they lose, while Getafe could go down if their opponents win. Accordingly, Sunday’s showdown will be a tense and cagey encounter between two sides desperate to beat the drop.